The Koshland Science Museum is managed by an energetic and talented group of staff members who work with volunteer scientists, educators, and designers to produce cutting-edge exhibits and programs based on reports produced by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Explore this section to learn more about the museum staff. To contact a staff member, please email the museum.

Patrice Legro, Director

Patrice Legro, director of the Koshland Science Museum, provides strategic leadership and direction for the museum, shaping its mission to help people use science to solve problems.

Patrice works closely with a distinguished volunteer board, committees of experts, and talented staff to ensure the successful execution of the museum's evolving vision. Patrice was a fellow in the Noyce Leadership Institute from 2009 to 2010, and has served in an advisory capacity for other museums.

With 25 years of experience with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), Patrice has an appreciation for scientific culture and its high intellectual standards. She leverages these resources by bringing together the creative capacities of designers and new technologies. Her experience and insights are built on a successful track record of leading innovative projects for the NAS. In 1998, she was co-study director for Teaching about Evolution and the Nature of Science —a report that received nationwide attention for its quality and accessibility. In 1996, Patrice helped establish the Office on Public Understanding of Science, after managing the National Science Education Standards Project from 1993 until its release in 1996. She led a broad-based national review of the Standards, which involved hundreds of voluntary focus groups in school districts across the country. In recognition of these exceptional contributions to the NAS, Patrice and her teams received group recognition awards in 1995, 2004, and 2011.

Patrice's interest in scientific literacy emerged from her work in the international arena, coordinating U.S. participation in scientific organizations, facilitating analysis of the global flow of science and technology personnel, and administering scholarly exchange programs with China. With an educational background in international political economics, Patrice began her career with an interest in how science drives innovation within a country and around the world.

Keri Stoever, Public Programs Manager

Keri Stoever is the Public Programs Manager at the Koshland Science Museum. Prior to joining the museum, she spent five years as a Research Associate with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) working on environmental and toxicological studies. In addition to her time at NAS, Keri has worked to help the public connect with science through museum education positions with the Smithsonian National Zoo and the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center. Currently, she volunteers as an interpreter at the National Zoo’s Amazonia exhibit. Keri received her B.S. in Marine Biology from Stockton University and her M.A. in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University.

William D'Italia, Operations Manager and Volunteer Coordinator

William D'Italia is the Operations Manager and Volunteer Coordinator with the Koshland Science Museum. Prior to joining the museum, William was a Supervisory Information Specialist for the Smithsonian's Visitor Information and Associate Reception Center. He also worked for a number of years at the National Gallery of Art. He received his B.A. from Fordham University and attended graduate school at Catholic University. William is a practicing D.C.-area artist whose work is represented by the Watergate Gallery.

Shantia Douglas, Financial and Administrative Associate

Shantia Douglas is the Financial and Administrative Associate for the Koshland Science Museum. Shantia began her career with the Koshland Science Museum in 2005 as an Office Assistant and since then has held other positions within the National Academies. Prior to returning to Koshland, Shantia was the Senior Financial Assistant for the Strategic Highway Research Program. Shantia received her B.A. in Management Information Systems from the University of the District of Columbia.

Monique C. McIlwain, Administrative Assistant

Monique C. McIlwain is the Administrative Assistant for the Koshland Science Museum. Prior to joining the museum staff, Monique was the Senior Administrative Assistant for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Prince George's County Planning Department. Monique has a love for technology and is currently pursuing certification in Computer Science from Stanford University Online.

Nell Champlin-Scannell is the Visitor Service Representative and Educational Event Assistant at the Koshland Science Museum. Prior to joining the museum, Nell has spent the last two years working on her Master’s degree in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University. Before moving to Washington, D.C. Nell lived in Massachusetts where she worked as a Visitor Service Representative with Heritage Museums & Gardens. In her free time, Nell volunteers at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Nell received her B.A. in U.S. History from Stonehill College.